Mayer Brown announced today that Jackie Vallette has joined the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice and Securities Litigation & Enforcement group as a partner in the Houston office. Experienced and licensed in both California and Texas, Ms. Vallette joins as a partner from Jones Day, having worked in their Los Angeles, San Francisco and Houston offices.

Ms. Vallette has extensive experience representing companies and individuals in all manner of shareholder disputes and investigative matters. Her addition is the latest exemplification of Mayer Brown’s growing litigation presence in Houston, and, together with Robert Harrell, strengthens Mayer Brown’s securities litigation practice in Texas.

“Jackie’s experience defending securities cases and advising on internal investigations and compliance matters adds significant heft to our securities litigation practice,” said Richard Spehr, the leader of Mayer Brown’s global Litigation & Dispute Resolution practice.

Not only does Ms. Vallette bring significant expertise defending companies and individuals throughout the United States in securities class actions, derivative lawsuits and M&A litigation, she also has invaluable experience in high-stakes investigations and government enforcement proceedings at both the federal and state levels. With the ever-increasing activity of state attorneys general and local government entities, Ms. Vallette has an extensive history defending clients in claims, lawsuits and threats issued by these state actors in high-profile matters. In addition, Ms. Vallette regularly counsels companies and boards of directors on risk management and compliance issues. Her experience spans a wide range of industries, including representation of public and private companies in the technology, energy, education, health care, consumer products and financial services sectors.

“Mayer Brown offers an ideal fit for my practice—combining a nationally-recognized securities litigation practice with a collaborative, entrepreneurial spirit and a strong and increasing commitment to the Texas market itself,” said Ms. Vallette. “I am excited to be part of the firm’s continued growth in Texas and look forward to working with its talented lawyers to serve its broad array of international, national and regional clients.”

“Jackie will play a key role in increasing the firm’s litigation presence in Houston, as well as its securities litigation and investigations capabilities to support evolving client needs,” said Neil Wasserstrom, the managing partner of Mayer Brown’s Houston office.